3 arrested for stealing ACs from banks, ATMs in Maharashtra

On October 14, acting on a tip-off by an informer who overheard them discussing how to dispose of the machines, the police apprehended the mechanics — Amit Radheshyam Yadav,19, and Ravikant alias Rohit Tiwari, 23 — from a tea stall where they were having samosas.
(Surendra Negi)

The Nala Sopara police arrested two imposters along with a scrap dealer for stealing air conditioners (ACs) from banks and unguarded ATMs by posing as mechanics in Palghar district of Maharashtra.

The police recovered five split ACs from the accused,said an official.

On October 14, acting on a tip-off by an informer who overheard them discussing how to dispose of the machines, the police apprehended the mechanics — Amit Radheshyam Yadav,19, and Ravikant alias Rohit Tiwari, 23 — from a tea stall where they were having samosas. The next day, the police also arrested a scrap dealer, Israr Mohd Raza Kashti, 20, from Kandivli, to whom the duo would sell the stolen split ACs at throwaway prices.After dismantling compressors and other parts, Kashti would sell these ACs to mechanics

The Tulinj police had received two complaints of AC thefts from banks.

The duo used to pose as AC maintenance staff and enter banks or unguarded ATMs in Nalla Sopara. Since all banks have outsourced their work — such as house keeping and electrical maintenance — to various agencies, no one doubted them. They used to enter bank premises on the pretext of fixing snag for which the unit had to be taken to the service centre. They would flee with the the ACs — both split and window.

The three men have been booked for theft and are in jail custody. The police are investigating if they have any more offences registered against them in the district.